One-step green synthesis of oil-dispersible carbonized polymer dots as eco-friendly lubricant additives with superior dispersibility, lubricity, and durability

Chemical functionalization provides effective protocols for inorganic nanomaterials as oil-dispersible lubricant additives. Nevertheless, harsh reaction conditions and arduous post-processing are frequently encountered when adopting this approach. Herein, four types of carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) with admirable dispersibility and long-term stability (more than 6 months without any sediments) in polyethylene glycol (PEG200) were synthesized by a one-step and green solvothermal route using saccharides as the single precursors. The tribological behaviors of CPDs as the lubricant additives of PEG200 were systematically evaluated and compared, confirming that the anti-wear and friction-reducing performances of PEG200 can be effectively enhanced after blended with CPDs. Clarified by the friction evaluations and worn surface detections, the superior lubricity and durability of CPDs-c are mainly attributed to the synergy between the interfacial adsorption of polymeric shells, the nano-lubrication effects of carbon cores, and the establishment of CPDs-inserted tribofilm with a uniform thickness of about 86 nm. This work explores a green and facile strategy for synthesizing the CPDs toward oil lubrication and reveals the lubrication mechanism of CPDs, which facilitates the practical application of CPDs in tribology.